Departments

Athletics/Title IX

​Rockdale County Public Schools believes that interscholastic athletics
is an integral component of the total educational experience. We believe
students must be aware that athletic participation requires a
commitment to their team, school, coaches, community, and, most
importantly, themselves. We believe the athletic participation must aid
in the physical, social, intellectual, and emotional development of each
and every student who chooses to participate.
​

Injury Links

Heat Safety

Board policy requires that the principal
at each school set up procedures and guidelines to ensure student
safety during outside activities. At a minimum the procedures will
include a heat index reading taken immediately prior to participation in
outside activities; an education program for coaches, athletes, and
parents on hydration, sports nutrition and injury prevention; and
minimal equipment required for proper hydration as well as treatment of
symptoms surrounding heat illness. The Board has also developed
regulations that set minimum standards for heat safety which can be
viewed at the Board's eBoard website - JGFB-R

• referral of injured athlete, when indicated, to an appropriate medical facility

• rehabilitation programs to return injured athletes to practice and
competition as quickly as possible with minimal risk of injury.

Several local physicians work with RCPS Athletic Teams to ensure that
adequate care is provided to student athletes, and that they safely
return to their activities with limited risk of further injury.​

Student Athletic Aide Program

​A meeting will be held in the spring for students and parents interested in participating in the Student Athletic Aide program and summer training camp.
Parents and students are encouraged to attend to meet with current
student participants and receive more information about the program,
camp dates, and camp cost.

The
Student Athletic Aide (SAA) Program is designed for students who have
worked as athletic team managers and for students interested in working
with athletic teams in the future. Students interested in Athletic
Training, Physical Therapy, and other Sports Medicine fields are
encouraged to participate.

The goal of the program is to introduce students to the athletic
training profession and educate them to ensure that they have the skills
needed to assist athletic teams. Any Rockdale County middle or high
school student interested in being a part of the SAA Program is
encouraged to contact Kechia Seabrooks Rowles, 770-388-5677, extension 3388, krowles@rockdale.k12.ga.us

RCPS Athletics Philosophy

​Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) believes that interscholastic
athletics is an integral component of the total educational experience.
We believe students must be aware that athletic participation requires a
commitment to their team, school, coaches, community, and most
important, themselves. We believe that athletic participation must aid
in the physical, social, intellectual, and emotional development of each
and every student who chooses to participate. Our objectives include
the following:
​

• RCPS will be a fearless advocate for our student athletes to
help them acquire important skills to aid in their development into
successful citizens both on and off their respective playing fields.

• RCPS embraces the concept of the student athlete as, first and
foremost, a student while at the same time understanding the benefits
gained through athletic competition.

• Student athletes are expected to be model students in the classroom
through their efforts and respect shown to school staff and adherence to
school rules and expectations.

• Coaches will be positive role models who display an in-depth
knowledge of their activity, possess exemplary teaching skills, exhibit
strong leadership, demonstrate ethical behavior, demonstrate interest in
the holistic development of their athletes, and make an effort to
explore post-secondary athletic opportunities for their student
athletes.

• Coaches will understand that participation in interscholastic athletics is voluntary.

• Coaches will refrain from "mandating" off-season practices in
compliance with RCPS bylaws; instead student athletes should be
encouraged.

• While RCPS recognizes that not every student athlete will compete at
the collegiate level, every effort will be made to ensure each and
every athlete is prepared both physically and intellectually, and
informed of the academic eligibility requirements to qualify and meet
the admission requirements of institutions of higher learning.

RCPS offers several opportunities for participation in
extracurricular activities that enhance the educational, emotional,
physical, and social development of students. Research has shown a
direct correlation between athletic participation and academic
achievement; and extracurricular activities foster the development and
demonstration of leadership skills. For these reasons, students are
encouraged to participate in one or more extracurricular activities
while in school. RCPS sponsors numerous athletic teams at the middle
school, junior varsity, and varsity levels. For information regarding
athletics and extracurricular activities at a specific school, please
contact the school directly or visit the website of the school.